Committee for Lorne: A word from the Chairman

We have seen the start to 2019 get under way so quickly that its hard to comprehend that the Australia Day long weekend is all but upon us. A year where summer on the on the coast has been as good as any of recent times and Lorne has been at its absolute best as tens of thousands of visitors have enjoyed the diversity of what we are lucky to experience year round.

Last Sunday, was a day that started for me with the early journey to Avalon for the interstate departure of my daughter as she embarks on the second year of her degree in law and business and on the return to join the steady Great Ocean Road flow of day-trippers that were set to enjoy their day on the coast. A walk along Mountjoy Parade highlighted the multicultural make up of our visitors today that are so different to many years ago, but there was one common denominator, they were all loving Lorne!

On the hour, the sounds of fun and music filled the air as the Summer Festival of Colours celebrated the human spirit where coloured powder was thrown into the air among friends and family. The event was organised by Hare Krishna Valley, the spiritual retreat and rural farm of the Hare Krishna community, who invited the public to be a part of the celebration of oneness of human spirit on the Lorne Foreshore.

As the celebrations of color and music continued, “Sunday lunch diners” were enjoying our fine offering of culinary options, the sounds of laughter and screams were emulating from the trampolines, the beach, the festival and Lorne was in full flight. Then there’s the more adventurous who were “flying” among the tree tops at Lorne’s fabulous Live Wire Park while those slightly less game were enjoying our bush walks, waterfalls and less strenuous activities, including retail therapy.

By late afternoon the crowds had begun to shift; to the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club, the deck at the surf club, the B Bar and Swing Bridge Café were all starting to come to life as stories of the day began to unfold. Early family diners were arriving at the Peak (Lorne Country Club) to enjoy last light over Louttit Bay and a look and a photo opportunity with our resident kangaroo population.

Others would dine at MoVida, Marks, Ipsos, Maple Tree, Mestizo, the Pier or any other of our fine restaurants while
family members enjoy the latest releases at the Lorne Cinema as the day drew to a close. As I sat with a cold beer and reflected on what for me, just like so many others, was another day at the ”office”, I couldn’t but be amazed at what
Lorne has on offer – Happy Australia Day weekend!

Ian Stewart
Chairman – Committee for Lorne